Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division SMA5J7.5-E3/5A

Overview

SMA5J7.5-E3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor diode in DO-214AC (SMA) package, designed for high-energy surge protection on DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 7.5 V stand-off voltage (V_WM), 8.33–9.21 V breakdown voltage (V_BR at 1.0 mA), 12.9 V clamping voltage (V_C) at 38.8 A peak pulse current, and 500 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - used to protect MOSFETs, ICs, and sensor interfaces in automotive and industrial power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the SMA5J7.5-E3/5A datasheet, SMA5J7.5-E3/5A pinout, SMA5J7.5-E3/5A application, or SMA5J7.5-E3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include unidirectional polarity, 150 °C max junction temperature, RoHS-compliant matte tin-plated leads, AEC-Q101 qualification (via HE3 variant), and compatibility with automated SMT placement on 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm copper pads.

Technical Context

This device operates as a silicon avalanche diode that enters controlled breakdown above its V_WM, clamping transients to ≤12.9 V while dissipating up to 500 W in a 10/1000 µs pulse. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable leakage (<1.0 µA at 7.5 V) and fast response time (<1.0 ps), critical for protecting sensitive CMOS inputs and low-voltage logic.

The SMA5J7.5-E3/5A is rated for -55 °C to +150 °C operation, with thermal resistance of 80 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 25 °C/W (junction-to-lead). It meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1, supports 260 °C lead-free reflow, and passes JESD201 Class 1A whisker testing due to its E3 suffix.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DO-214AC (SMA) package: molded plastic case with two axial leads; cathode indicated by a band on one end. Leads are matte tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD22-B102, and meet UL 94 V-0 flammability rating.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient suppression applications.

Compared with SMA5J7.5AHE3/5A, the SMA5J7.5-E3/5A omits formal AEC-Q101 certification but retains identical electrical behavior and reliability for non-automotive applications; versus SMC5J7.5A-E3/57T, it trades surge capacity for 40 % smaller board area - making SMA5J7.5-E3/5A the preferred choice for compact, cost-sensitive 500 W protection.

Availability

SMA5J7.5-E3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, industrial sensor interface protection, and consumer USB power input applications requiring stable component supply, RoHS compliance, and automated SMT placement support.

Supply support for SMA5J7.5-E3/5A includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Vishay General Semiconductor is a global leader in discrete semiconductors, specializing in diodes, rectifiers, and transient protection devices with emphasis on reliability, power density, and automotive-grade qualification.

The SMA5J series is part of Vishay's TRANSZORB® TVS platform, engineered specifically for high-power-density surface-mount surge suppression in space-constrained automotive, industrial, and telecom power systems.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of the SMA5J7.5-E3/5A under full-rated surge conditions?

The SMA5J7.5-E3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 12.9 V at 38.8 A peak pulse current (I_PPM) with a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per standard test conditions and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during a 500 W transient event. The SMA5J7.5-E3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range.

Is the SMA5J7.5-E3/5A suitable for automotive applications?

The SMA5J7.5-E3/5A is RoHS-compliant and built on the same die and process as the AEC-Q101-qualified SMA5J7.5AHE3/5A variant, but it does not carry formal AEC-Q101 certification. For non-safety-critical automotive subsystems where qualification is not mandated, the SMA5J7.5-E3/5A delivers identical electrical performance and reliability. Always verify compliance requirements with your Tier 1 or OEM before deployment.

What is the meaning of the "E3/5A" suffix in SMA5J7.5-E3/5A?

The "E3" suffix indicates RoHS-compliant construction with matte tin-plated leads meeting JESD201 Class 1A whisker resistance, while "/5A" specifies packaging in 13-inch diameter plastic tape and reel containing 7500 units. This format enables high-speed pick-and-place assembly and aligns with IPC-7351 land pattern standards for DO-214AC footprints.

How does the SMA5J7.5-E3/5A compare to older SMAJ7.5A devices?

The SMA5J7.5-E3/5A offers 500 W peak pulse power - double the 250 W rating of the legacy SMAJ7.5A - while maintaining the same DO-214AC package size and pinout. It achieves this through improved silicon geometry and thermal design, delivering higher surge robustness without PCB layout changes. The SMA5J7.5-E3/5A also features tighter V_BR tolerance and lower leakage versus SMAJ7.5A.

What is the recommended PCB pad layout for optimal thermal performance of the SMA5J7.5-E3/5A?

Vishay specifies a minimum 0.2" × 0.2" (5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) copper pad for each terminal to achieve rated 500 W pulse power and thermal resistance of 80 °C/W. Use internal layer copper pours connected via multiple thermal vias to enhance heat dissipation. Avoid narrow traces between pads; maintain ≥0.3 mm solder mask opening around each pad to ensure full wetting and mechanical strength during reflow.